346 



Handbook of Nature-Study 



The moths of the Alyron sphinx on 

 Virginia creeper. 



Photo by M. V. Slingerland. 



notched or even? What 

 colors are on the front wing? 

 On the hind one? Are these 

 colors harmonious and beauti- 

 ful? Make a sketch of the 

 moth in water-color. 



4. What is the shape of 

 the antennae? Describe the 

 eyes. Can you see the coiled 

 tongue? Uncoil it with a 

 pin and note how long it is. 

 Why does this moth need such 

 a long tongue? 



5. From what flowers do 

 the sphinx moths get nectar? 

 How does the moth support 

 itself when probing for nectar? 

 Do you know any flowers 

 which are dependent on the 

 sphinx moths for carrying 

 their pollen? How many 

 kinds of sphinx moths do you 

 know ? 



Hurt no living thing: 

 Ladybird, nor butterfly, 

 Nor moth with dusty wing, 

 Nor cricket chirping cheerily, 

 Nor grasshopper so light of leap, 

 Nor dancing gnat, nor beetle fat, 

 Nor harmless worms that creep. 



CHRISTINA ROSSETTI. 



The white-lined sphinx 

 moth. 



